Jennifer Lopez Pledges $1 Million to Puerto Rico as Country Suffers ‘Apocalyptic’ Damage from Hurricane Maria

Photo: Office of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo via Periscope.
Photo: Office of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo via Periscope.
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Jennifer Lopez joined forces with other prominent New Yorkers to raise money for Puerto Rico after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria last week.

The A-lister, who grew up in New York but has Puerto Rican roots, has pledged a whopping $1 million to help rebuild the island.

READ: ‘Apocalyptic’: Puerto Rican People Remain Devastated By Affects of Hurricane Maria

Lopez appeared in a press conference in New York Sunday alongside Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying that her donation would go to charitable organizations and other nongovernmental organizations.

Lopez added that she and her boyfriend, former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, are “utilizing all of our resources and relationships in entertainment, sports and business to garner support for Puerto Rican and Caribbean relief efforts.”

Lopez has also retained support from Mark Cuban, Marc Anthony and Mavericks player J.J. Barea.

Lopez and Rodriguez previously donated a large sum to the Red Cross for parts of Texas that were ravaged by Hurricane Harvey last month.

Hurricane Maria hit the island as a powerful Category 4 storm on Wednesday, wiping out power for the entire island.

At least 16 people in Puerto Rico have been killed, and 3 million Americans there are currently living without power, ABC News reported.

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said the island is facing “unprecedented disaster” from the storm. Chopper video from Monday shows widespread devastation, including demolished homes and downed power lines.

Cuomo said the devastation on Puerto Rico hits close to home, as many New Yorkers are of Puerto Rico descent or still have family and loved ones living there.

Other celebrities with ties to Puerto Rico, including Luis Fonsi and Ricky Martin, have been raising awareness on how much help the island and its people need in the wake of the storm.

(H/T: ABC News)